Nighttime city skyline featuring the illuminated Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with surrounding modern skyscrapers and dark cloudy sky.

MALAYSIA

  • Malaysia is a culturally rich and highly diverse country that offers a more organised and slightly less chaotic travel experience than some of its Southeast Asian neighbours. It is split between Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo.

    Peninsular Malaysia offers the mega-city of Kuala Lumpur (home to the iconic Petronas Towers), the colonial charm of Malacca, the foodie paradise of Penang, and the cool, green hills of the Cameron Highlands for tea plantations and jungle hikes. The East Coast islands (like the Perhentian Islands) offer some of the best budget island paradises and diving.

    Malaysian Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak) is a destination for wildlife enthusiasts, featuring orangutans, vast rainforests, and some of the world's most bio-diverse dive sites (Sipadan). The country is incredibly multicultural, with a fusion of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences reflected most deliciously in its world-class street food.

  • Malaysia has a tropical climate, meaning it's generally hot and humid year-round, but rainfall varies significantly between regions.

    • West Coast (Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi): The most popular time is generally December to March when the weather is driest. The heaviest rain typically falls from August to November.

    • East Coast (Perhentian Islands, Tioman Island): The best time to visit is April to September, with beautiful, dry, and sunny days. The Monsoon Season is from November to February, during which ferries stop, and many island resorts close completely.

    • Malaysian Borneo (Sabah/Sarawak): The dry season runs from March to October. Rainfall is still possible but is usually short-lived. The wet season is generally November to February.

    Important Tip: You can almost always find a dry coast in Malaysia! Plan your trip around the monsoon seasons of the East and West Coasts to enjoy the beaches and islands at their best.

    • Visa-Free Entry: Most nationalities, including the UK, EU, US, Australia, and New Zealand, receive a visa-free social visit pass upon arrival, typically granting a stay of up to 90 days.

    • MDAC (Malaysia Digital Arrival Card): All foreign nationals are required to submit an MDAC online within three days of their arrival date.

    • Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months on arrival.

    • Onward Travel: While not always checked, immigration may ask for proof of onward travel (a flight or bus ticket out of Malaysia).

    Other Important Notes:

    • Tourist Tax: Hotels and hostels charge a small tourist tax (usually 10 MYR per room, per night).

    • East Malaysia (Borneo): You will pass through immigration again when travelling between Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo (Sabah/Sarawak), but this is typically a formality for short stays.

  • Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) 🇲🇾 Malaysia is very affordable and one of the cheaper places to backpack in Asia, especially if you stick to local transportation and street food.

    Best way to access money:

    • Cash is necessary at most markets, food stalls, and for some rural transport.

    • ATMs are plentiful in all cities and major towns.

    • Credit/debit cards are accepted in shopping malls, modern restaurants, and many hostels/hotels.

    Typical daily backpacker budget:

    • 60–90 MYR/day ($13–$19 USD) – A very comfortable budget covering hostel dorms, street food, and long-distance bus travel.

    Tips:

    • Street Food is King: The Mamaks (street food stalls/restaurants) offer incredible, cheap, and diverse food 24/7. Eating here is the best way to save money and experience the culture.

    • Long-Distance Buses: Intercity bus travel is efficient, affordable, and comfortable.

    • Bargaining: Bargaining is expected at markets, but not in shops or restaurants. Be polite.

    • English: English is widely spoken in tourist areas and cities, making travel and navigation very easy.

Map showing parts of Malaysia and Borneo, including Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands, Taman Negara, Perhentian Islands, and Borneo island.

Main Destinations

  • Nighttime city skyline with illuminated skyscrapers, including the twin towers of the Petronas Towers, under a cloudy sky.

    Kuala Lumpur

    Kuala Lumpur is an affordable, energetic hub of culture and commerce. Marvel at the soaring Petronas Twin Towers, explore the colorful streets and cheap eats of Chinatown and Little India, and delve into the country's history at Merdeka Square. Don't skip a trip to the magnificent Batu Caves just outside the city for a climb and a dose of Hindu culture.

  • View of a traditional Asian temple or courtyard decorated with numerous red and yellow lanterns hanging overhead, with a tiled roof structure in the background, surrounded by potted plants and stone statues, under a partly cloudy sky.

    Penang

    Penang is the undisputed food capital of Malaysia, making it a must-visit for budget foodies. Explore the UNESCO-listed capital, George Town, famed for its charming colonial architecture, vibrant street art murals, and diverse culture evident in the Clan Jetties and historic temples. Your mission here is simple: eat as much incredible, cheap street food (like Laksa and Char Kway Teow) as possible.

  • Lush green tea plantation rolling over hills with a cloudy sky and mountains in the background.

    Cameron Highlands

    Escape the heat in the cool, misty, rolling hills of the Cameron Highlands. This destination is defined by its spectacular, emerald-green tea plantations, where you can tour a factory and enjoy a fresh brew with a view. Hike through the eerie, moss-covered landscape of the Mossy Forest or visit a local strawberry farm for a refreshing break from the rainforest.

  • Aerial view of a tropical beach with turquoise water, large rocks along the shoreline, dense green trees, and several people swimming and floating in the water.

    Perhentian Islands

    The Perhentian Islands (Kecil and Besar) are your quintessential Southeast Asian tropical escape. Think crystal-clear turquoise water, powdery white-sand beaches, and a slow, relaxed pace. They are a backpacker haven for affordable snorkelling and diving among coral reefs, sea turtles, and reef sharks. For a low-key social scene, head to Long Beach on Kecil Island.

  • A red boat with a canopy moving across a river surrounded by lush green trees and a cloudy sky.

    Taman Negara

    Taman Negara, one of the world's oldest rainforests, offers an immersive jungle adventure. Trek through dense, primal foliage, brave the swaying heights of the Canopy Walkway for an aerial view, and take a thrilling boat trip ("rapid shooting") down the Tembeling River. This is the place for spotting incredible wildlife and visiting the traditional settlements of the Orang Asli (indigenous people).

  • An orangutan with reddish-brown hair and dark face peeking through green foliage.

    Borneo

    Malaysian Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak) is an adventure backpacker's dream, famous as the home of the Orangutan. Hike up the towering Mount Kinabalu, dive the legendary waters of Sipadan (from Semporna), or embark on a river safari along the Kinabatangan River for incredible wildlife spotting, including proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants. It's a land of unparalleled biodiversity and natural wonder.